In letters to West African leaders, Kofi Annan expresses his solidarity with the populations affected by Ebola, and calls on the global community to take a stronger response to control and reverse the disease.

After Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa conclude their two-day summit with a strong statement on the urgent need for humanitarian access in Syria, The Elders welcome their call, urging the five leaders to work with all parties to facilitate the work of humanitarian groups.

In July, the Elders travelled to South Sudan and witnessed first-hand the humanitarian crisis taking place in the region. They welcome the generosity of the Omidyar family in donating funds towards improving the refugee situation in South Sudan, as well as the recent move by governments and international organisations to increase humanitarian aid to the region.

“It is critical to reach an agreement with Syrian authorities on securing humanitarian access inside Syria and to ensure that funds are available to respond to the needs on the ground.”

Five members of The Elders have joined leading humanitarian organisations to highlight the plight of the more than 1.5 million displaced people inside Syria, who have been driven from their homes by conflict.

Desmond Tutu issues a statement following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, calling on governments and individuals around the world to lend support to the country's people in the months and years ahead.

Alarmed by the "human dignity crisis" in Gaza, Mary Robinson argues why diplomatic efforts to forge a new cease-fire must be intensified and made to succeed. This article first appeared in openDemocracy.

The Elders are independent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.